Although the adverse effects of the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament have been continuously highlighted, the authorities have not prudently dealt with the issue, since the tournament’s inception in 2008.
In another turn of events, it emerged on Wednesday that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had given permission to players involved in the IPL to arrive late in England, for the ICC Champions Trophy.
The IPL final is scheduled for May 26, and while the Chennai Super Kings are already through, three teams – Rajasthan Royals, Hyderabad Sunrisers and Mumbai Indians are vying for a spot in the final. Sri Lankan cricketers still involved in the competition (on Wednesday), are Kumar Sangakkara, Lasith Malinga, Kusal Janith Perera and Thisara Perera, and at least one of them will arrive in England late for the Champions Trophy.
The Eliminator between Rajasthan and Hyderabad was scheduled for last night and one of those teams will play Mumbai Indians in the semi-final on May 24.
The national cricket team will leave for England early morning, on May 27.
“There was a request made and we approved that request,” SLC President Jayantha Dharmadasa confirmed on Wednesday.
Another SLC official said that the players will arrive directly in London from Kolkota where the IPL final will be played.
While Sangakkara hasn’t played a game for his franchise since May 8, Kusal Janith Perera has been warming the bench since April 11.
SLC conducted a triangular tournament as a preparation for the Champions Trophy, but none of the nine players who were involved in the IPL took part in the tournament.
This is not the first time that the IPL has forced SLC to reschedule or postpone previously arranged events.
Last year, the three Test series against England was cut down to two as the country’s IPL contracted players wanted to leave for the tournament, early. Even next year’s tour to England has been reduced to two Tests from the traditional three, due to the IPL.
In 2011, Sri Lanka’s senior cricketers, except for Tillekeratne Dilshan arrived late in England due to their IPL commitments and even missed a warm-up game. The tourists were thrashed in the first Test in Cardiff, where they suffered an embarrassing innings defeat. The batsmen’s lack of preparation was evident as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 82 runs in the second innings, inside a session.
In 2009, a scheduled tour of England was cancelled due to the IPL, as senior players protested against the tour, saying they were keener in remaining with their IPL franchises instead of representing the country. Sri Lanka was captained by Mahela Jayawardene at that point, while Kumar Sangakkara was his deputy.
